Meet Jasmine Je’toi | Writer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Je’toi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Not to oversimplify it but for me, there really was no other choice. Since I was a little girl, with with Diana Ross being the only Dorothy in my household, entertainment stole my heart. I knew my dreams were within reach then. My father is a musician, and my mother being the most eloquent writer I know, I come from a family of entertainers. Growing up, I wrote and performed poetry, trained as a stage and screen actress for years. In 2019, I discovered my love for screenwriting and directing and that changed the game for me. While I will always be a thespian at heart, directing challenges me and stretches my creative bandwidth. I have the autonomy to tell stories and combine my love for multiple art forms from movement, performance, and music. I’ve always been a creative, there’s never been a plan b. My mother calls me a creative conduit. I am. I am a vessel of which I allow creativity to flow through me and connect with the masses. The discovery from actress to writer, from in front of the camera to behind is that I found my spirit lies in my own words. At the time, I really didn’t know myself and couldn’t find myself in the characters I was playing or the words of someone else but found life in my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I used to be an actress, now I do it all. As a multifaceted creative, I’ve been able to lend an ear to my friends who are musicians, provide notes, ideas and developmental consulting for scripts of many genres. I started taking my screenwriting and directing seriously in 2019 and have been  fortunate to produce at least one short film every year since. Pandemic and all. It has allowed me to build my knowledge and my own creative voice. So now I’m in the process of taking that next step to move my career forward which starts with this feature script I currently have in development. Once I stepped into my true passion for directing, I have been able to streamline all my talents and interests of artistry. It hasn’t been easy. If it were easy everyone would be doing it. With every challenge, I have learned so much more about myself. Having to fight for my vision, go to bat for the people I believe in, and advocate for unique, underrepresented voices and experiences is no easy feat but I do it. I do it because I love it and there is no other option. As long as I love it, I just pray that my passion and purpose remain in alignment.

There are many life lessons that this journey has gifted me but one that sticks out the most is, “Your gift is divine, either you have it or you don’t. But your responsibility is yours, either you’re going to do it or you’re not.” This lesson carries me on days when my support system has said all the words, done all of the things and at the end of it all, it’s on me. It’s up to me to keep going. I won’t sit here and say it’s been all peaches and cream, it hasn’t but it’s bigger than me and it’s been worth it. Every goal reached, every award, accolade, kind acknowledgment, is nice but this is just the beginning of the mission. It’s my mission to honor every story I have the privilege to tell; to support, inspire and promote a safe space for women, especially black women to be seen as the complex beings they truly are. As an artist, it is my duty to tell stories that challenge monolithic views but still share with the world the emotional commonality of the human experience. I know what it feels like to feel invisible, so if my work can make someone feel seen and less alone in their experience, I’ve done it. I’ve done the work that makes me most proud.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ahh, putting me on the spot! Now, this is hard because there is literally always something going on in L.A so there are some things I’ve wanted to do but haven’t yet! This is tricky because it depends on what kind of vibe you are going for. So, I’m having breakfast at The Parrot Cafe. I’d have to say for brunch, I’d recommend The Court Cafe. They have the music, service and food on point. They do not miss! Now if you feeling global, I’d recommend Merkato in Little Ethiopia. They’re my favorite restaurant for Ethiopian food and I’ve been to a few spots in that area. Sattdown in Studio City is the best Jamaican spot I’ve been able to find out here. L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele has the best authentic Italian food I’ve ever had considering I’ve yet to go to Italy. Trust me, they’re a must try! If we are going for a Happy Hour vibe, SOL Mexican Cocina in Playa Vista will get you right! For my vegan friends, Sage Bistro and Brewery. Thank me later!

Clearly, I don’t go starving! So let’s get into some activities. If you like to workout on vacation, Runyon Canyon is a great hike. If you like to drop into a class, you have to tap in with Joe at Brick City Boxing! He’s the best in the city! Now for the selective extroverts, I got you covered! The Outlet LA has the grown and sexy vibes. From R&B nights to Open Mic nights, the Outlet is nice for a date or girls night out. Ebony Beach Club and Everyday People have the same “FUBU” vibe so you have to check them out at least once! Leimert Park has to be on the list because there’s always something going on out there. It wouldn’t be L.A of me not to mention a beach! While most tourists default to Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach is really that gworl with many shops and restaurants in walking distance to explore making a perfect beach day choice!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My tribe. The people in my life that encourage me and accept the darkest of times just as much as they are there for the celebratory moments. I am beyond grateful for everyone who believes in me, supports me and encourages me more now than ever. Some days I don’t think I give anyone a reason to believe in me as much as they do, but they do it anyway. On days when I’ve wanted to give up on myself, they’ve never given up on me. I know I speak from a place of privilege to have such a strong support system; I also know I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without them. I love them so much. They know exactly who they are!

Website: https://www.asistasproduction.com

Instagram: @jasjetoi

Image Credits
headshot image credit: Drew King